According to the National Safety Council, as many as 40,000 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2016, a rise of 14 percent since 2014. And while many reasons have contributed to that increase, there’s no doubt that distracted driving was a major factor.

Thankfully, the NSC is shining a spotlight on the problem through the month of April with Distracted Driving Awareness Month. At Consortium Pool, we’re dedicated to keeping the roads safe for professional truckers and average drivers alike, which is why we’re taking some time to educate you on the problem of distracted driving.

Watch the video below for more information on car accidents and fatalities:

What Is Distracted Driving?

Distracted driving is the practice of driving while another activity takes your attention away from the road. Some common distracted driving practices include making phone calls or texting behind the wheel, eating or drinking while driving, playing with your car stereo, and plenty more.

Many people don’t think of distracted driving as a problem because they assume they can multitask while behind the wheel. But you never know when another driver, bike rider, or pedestrian will cross your path. Driving requires all your attention, and taking your eyes off the road even for a moment can cause an accident.

Number Of Accidents Caused By Distracted Driving

There’s no denying hat distracted driving is a big problem, perfectly illustrated by the number of accidents it causes every year. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,477 people were killed in distracted driving accidents in 2015, with 391,000 injured. The worst part is, these accidents can almost always be prevented if drivers are more alert while behind the wheel.

Consortium Pool helps keep the trucking industry safe. Learn more from these blogs:

Can Distracted Driving Be Prevented?

Distracted driving is actually pretty easy to prevent. You just need to pay attention while you’re on the road! Of course, educating people on the problem is one of the best ways to spread awareness. Here are some of our recommendations on how to prevent distracted driving:

Don’t use your cell phone while driving unless it’s an emergency situation
Don’t eat or drink while driving
Pull off the road if you’re sleepy or drowsy
Don’t multitask while driving

Another great way to prevent distracted driving is to talk about it. If you think your friends, family, or loved ones are driving while distracted, call them out. Let them know that they’re putting passengers, other drivers, and themselves at risk, and that they need to pay more attention while driving.

At Consortium Pool, we take safety seriously, which is why we provide DOT-compliant drug and alcohol testing services to the trucking industry. Our expert services help keep you and your truckers safe on the road, ensuring your business’ sterling reputation remains intact. And with 24/7 customer support, we’re always here whenever you need us. For more information on our services, contact Consortium Pool today.